Let Us Protect the Young Ones. 28/11/10
25,000 babies are infected every year
By Diana Kadama
28 November 2010
NO doubt, HIV/AIDS is no longer a death sentence - thanks to antiretroviral therapy and people opening up about their status.
As the world commemorates World AIDS Day on Wednesday (December 1), under the theme, Universal Access and Human Rights; Uganda is fighting hard to bring down the high infection rate among babies by getting more parents to participate in the cause.
Under this year's theme, the world has pledged to work towards universal access to HIV and AIDS treatment, prevention and care, recognising these as fundamental human rights.
Statistics show that 25,000 babies are infected every year, despite the availability of free prevention of mother-to-child transmission services at over 1,000 health facilities.
The high infection rate is attributed to failure to attend antenatal clinics, stigma and ignorance, among others. Luckily, with antiretroviral treatment, we can bring down HIV infections among babies.
We also discuss urinary tract infections among children. According to Mulago Hospital statistics, 14 out of 100 children that seek treatment at the referral centre have the infection. We explore the causes, symptoms and prevention.
We also take you through the tremendous medicinal benefits of hibiscus, the flower that many have grown in their homes for beauty purposes.